Do you snore? Do you often wake up gasping for air?
These can be the signs of an underlying sleep disorder. Your dentist can evaluate you to avoid future health problems. Sleep apnea is a serious condition that can increase your risk of stroke and heart attack.
Sleep apnea also impacts your ability to function at your best daily and to enjoy life fully. Treatment for sleep apnea will reduce symptoms and greatly minimize associated health risks.
Obstructive sleep apnea and other sleep disorders are often the results of soft tissue at the back of the throat blocking the airway. As you sleep, the muscles there can relax and collapse to form this blockage, and it may affect your ability to breathe.
When the airway becomes blocked, you may snore loudly or suddenly gasp for air to clear your throat. Chronic cases of sleep apnea will disrupt your normal breathing pattern. The strain this creates on the body is what raises your risk for other conditions, such as heart attack and stroke.
Dentistry requires an extensive understanding of the mouth and its surrounding structure, including the airway, making your dentist qualified to treat mild obstructive sleep apnea. In addition to providing sleep apnea treatment, our dentist’s office in North Liberty, IA offers an array of general dental services for our patients.
What Are the Signs of Sleep Apnea?
Since sleep apnea manifests while you sleep, you might not be conscious enough to notice you have this disorder. However, you can experience signs during your waking hours that will help you tell if you suffer from sleep apnea. The most common sleep apnea symptoms can include:
- Snoring
- Waking up gasping for air
- Dry mouth in the morning
- Increasing irritability or difficulty concentrating
- Feeling tired or groggy during the day
Patients should be aware of common risk factors for sleep apnea, which include being overweight, being a smoker, having a larger neck circumference, and having a family history of sleep disorders. Males over the age of 45 are also at a higher risk if other factors are also present.
The first step towards a diagnosis and possible treatment is an evaluation with Dr. Tu and a sleep study if needed. Prompt treatment can mitigate other health risks.
Treating Sleep Apnea: What Are the Options?
Treatment for sleep apnea depends on the severity of your symptoms. Dr. Tu works with patients who have mild to moderate sleep apnea or who are seeking an alternative after being intolerant of the CPAP.
Dr. Tu offers oral appliance therapy for sleep apnea. It will help your airway remain open during sleep. This device works by pushing the lower jaw forward, stopping tissue from relaxing in a way that blocks the airway.
An oral appliance for sleep apnea will fit much like a sports mouthguard. Most patients tolerate them well and enjoy the freedom they provide during sleep compared to the CPAP.
The secure fit of a professional-grade oral appliance will ensure it does not slip out of place as you sleep. This can improve your sleep quality while also effectively treating sleep apnea.
Positive results from this sleep apnea treatment rely on routine compliance nightly. When you wear your oral appliance as your dentist directs, you can resolve sleep apnea symptoms and prevent other health risks.
How to Take Care of Your Oral Appliance
You can maximize the lifespan of your oral appliance when you take proper care of your oral health. Brush your teeth and floss on a regular basis to remove harmful bacteria from your mouth and prevent bacterial transfer to your appliance. Make sure you practice thorough oral hygiene at night before you wear your appliance.
To avoid misplacing your sleep appliance, put the appliance away in its case after each use. Designate a specific location to store this case, such as on a nightstand or a bathroom cabinet, and keep it in this same spot consistently.
You can clean the oral appliance with hand soap and a soft-bristled brush. Rinse the appliance well under cold water. Avoid using hot water because the high temperature can warp the material of the appliance.
Sleep Apnea Treatment FAQs
How long will my oral appliance last?
Dentists design oral appliances that treat sleep apnea with durability in mind. However, the device will wear down over time and require replacement. The lifespan of the appliance may vary depending on your specific case of dental wear and tear. The average dental patient may need to replace an old or damaged oral appliance every one or two years.
Can I treat sleep apnea with an oral appliance if I grind my teeth?
Patients who suffer from bruxism, a habit of grinding or clenching the teeth, can treat mild cases of sleep apnea with oral appliance therapy. Many oral appliances can also treat bruxism because the repositioning of the jaw can relieve the strain that causes a patient to grind their teeth. The durable material of the oral appliance can withstand the pressure exerted by bruxism.
Can sleep apnea lead to dental problems?
Sleep apnea can lead to a heightened risk of certain medical problems, but this disorder may affect your oral health too. Patients with sleep apnea might sleep with their mouths open, which can dry out the mouth. A dry oral environment can increase the spread of bacteria in the mouth, putting the patient at a greater risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and oral infections.
Can lifestyle changes bring relief for sleep apnea patients?
Oral appliance therapy is an effective way to treat obstructive sleep apnea. But some lifestyle changes can also alleviate sleep apnea symptoms, including:
- Maintaining a healthy weight with a balanced diet and exercise
- Limiting alcohol and sedatives
- Quitting smoking
- Avoiding sleeping on your back
Consult with Your Dentist About Treating Sleep Apnea
If you suspect you might have obstructive sleep apnea, call our office at 319.284.4361 or reach our staff online. Schedule a dental consultation to learn how dental solutions can bring you relief from sleep apnea.